Ystrad MynachBlackwood

Ystbla one
Verified route

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

By a Slow Ways Volunteer on 07 Apr 2021


Distance

7km/4mi

Ascent

105m

Descent

164m

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So far it has been reviewed by three people and surveyed by two people and

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Description

This is a Slow Ways route connecting Ystrad Mynach and Blackwood.

Know of a better route? Share it here.

This is a Slow Ways route connecting Ystrad Mynach and Blackwood.

Know of a better route? Share it here.

Status

This route has been reviewed by 3 people.

There are no issues flagged.

Photos for Ystbla one

Photos of this route will appear when they are added to a review. You can review this route here.


Information

Verified route

Route status - Live

Reviews - 3

Average rating -

Is this route good enough? -  Yes (3)

There are currently no problems reported with this route.

Downloads - 2

Surveys

What is this route like?

Surveys are submitted by fellow users of this website and show what you might expect from this Slow Ways route. Scroll down the page to read more detailed surveys.

Grade 2X based on 2 surveys Sign up or log in to survey this route.
Description Note
Grade 2: Mostly smooth and compacted surfaces, but there may be some loose gravel, muddy patches or cobbles.
Access grade X: At least one stile, flight of steps or other obstacle that is highly likely to block access for wheelchair and scooter users.
Grading is based on average scores by surveyors. This slow way has 2 surveys.
Full grading description

Only people who have completed our training can become Slow Ways surveyors and submit a survey. We do not vet contributors, so we cannot guarantee the quality or completeness of the surveys they complete. If you are dependent on the information being correct we recommend reading and comparing surveys before setting off.

Survey Photos

Facilities

Facilities in the middle third of this route.

Not present at time of survey Public toilet (2)
Not present at time of survey Wheelchair accessible toilet (2)
Present at time of survey Supermarket (2)
Present at time of survey Restaurant (2)
Maybe present Vegan restaurant (1)
Maybe present Accommodation (2)
Maybe present Accommodation < £50 (2)
Not present at time of survey Campsite (2)
Not present at time of survey Bothy (2)
Maybe present Free wifi (1)
Maybe present Public phone (1)
Present at time of survey Mobile phone coverage (2)
Train station (0)
Present at time of survey Bench (2)
Picnic table (0)
Present at time of survey Bus stop (2)
Not present at time of survey Ferry (2)

Challenges

Potential challenges reported on this route. Some challenges are seasonal.

Not present at time of survey Scrambling (2)
Not present at time of survey Wading (2)
Not present at time of survey Swimming (2)
Not present at time of survey Climbing (2)
Not present at time of survey Stepping stones (2)
Not present at time of survey Very slippery (2)
Maybe present Very muddy (1)
Not present at time of survey Very icy (2)
Maybe present Likely to flood (1)
Not present at time of survey Long grass sections (2)
Not present at time of survey Crops encroaching on path (2)
Not present at time of survey Diverted path (2)

Obstacles

Obstacles on this route.

Not present at time of survey Stiles (2)
Step and kerbs (0)
Maybe present Possible to avoid steps, if applicable (1)
Not present at time of survey Flights of steps (2)
Not present at time of survey Gates (2)
Not present at time of survey Kissing gates (2)
Not present at time of survey Locked gates (2)
Not present at time of survey Disables access gates (2)
Present at time of survey Cycle barriers (2)
Not present at time of survey Ladders (2)
Not present at time of survey Cattle grids (2)
Not present at time of survey Fords (2)
Narrow bridges (0)
Not present at time of survey Ferry required (2)
Not present at time of survey Acceptable road walking (2)
Not present at time of survey Unacceptable road walking (2)
Not present at time of survey Dangerous road crossings (2)
Present at time of survey Walking on paths beside roads (2)
Not present at time of survey Walking on verges beside roads (2)
Not present at time of survey Railway crossings (2)
Not present at time of survey River crossings (2)
Not present at time of survey Cattle possible (2)
Not present at time of survey Horses possible (2)
Not present at time of survey Tidal area (2)
Not present at time of survey Potential falls (2)
Not present at time of survey Exposed to elements (2)
Not present at time of survey Remote area (2)
Not present at time of survey Mountainous area (2)
Not present at time of survey Military training area (2)
Not present at time of survey No visible path (2)
Not present at time of survey Seasonal nesting birds (2)
Not present at time of survey Other hazards (2)

Accessibility

Is this route step and stile free?

Present at time of survey Free of stiles (2)
Free of single steps/kerbs (0)
Present at time of survey Free of flights of steps (2)
Not present at time of survey Free of other obstacles (2)

Measurements

Surveyors were asked to measure the narrowest and steepest parts of paths.

Narrowest part of path: no data

The steepest uphill gradient East: no data

The steepest uphill gradient West: no data

The steepest camber: no data

How clear is the waymarking on the route: Very clear (2)

Successfully completed

We asked route surveyors "Have you successfully completed this route with any of the following? If so, would you recommend it to someone with the same requirements?". Here is how they replied.

Maybe present Small Pug-sized dog (1)
Maybe present Small Labrador-sized dog (1)
Maybe present Large St. Bernard-sized dog (1)
Maybe present Standard pram (1)
Maybe present Off-road rugged pram (1)
Maybe present Standard wheelchair (1)
Maybe present Off-road rugged wheelchair (1)
Maybe present Standard mobility scooter (1)
Maybe present Off-road rugged mobility scooter (1)

Recommended by an expert

We asked route surveyors "Are you a trained access professional, officer or expert? If so, is this route suitable for someone travelling with any of the following?" Here is how they replied.

Maybe present Small Pug-sized dog (1)
Maybe present Small Labrador-sized dog (1)
Maybe present Large St. Bernard-sized dog (1)
Maybe present Standard pram (1)
Maybe present Off-road rugged pram (1)
Maybe present Standard wheelchair (1)
Maybe present Off-road rugged wheelchair (1)
Maybe present Standard mobility scooter (1)
Maybe present Off-road rugged mobility scooter (1)

Terrain

We asked route surveyors to estimate how much of the route goes through different kinds of terrain.

23.0% of the route is on roads (2)

25.0% of the route is lit at night (2)

90.0% of the route is paved (2)

There is no data on muddiness

10.0% of the route is over rough ground (2)

There is no data on long grass

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2 surveys

Information from verified surveys.

2X June 2021 by Grifftinfoilhat
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2X July 2023 by Tom Morris
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Geography information system (GIS) data

Total length

Maximum elevation

Minimum elevation

Start and end points

Ystrad Mynach
Grid Ref ST1418894385
Lat / Lon 51.64170° / -3.24150°
Easting / Northing 314,188E / 194,385N
What3Words steamed.slack.arranged
Blackwood
Grid Ref ST1738696944
Lat / Lon 51.66518° / -3.19590°
Easting / Northing 317,386E / 196,944N
What3Words hunk.binder.miss

Ystbla One's land is

Pasture 5.8%
Urban 94.2%

Data: Corine Land Cover (CLC) 2018

reviews


Paul Chilcott

09 Sep 2023 Summer

September 2023. Direction: Blackwood to Ystrad Mynach.

A good functional walk between these two neighbouring towns, firstly following the River Sirhowy and then joining the 47 cycle path just after Gelligroes. The only down side of this walk is the part alongside the busy A472 road, until it reaches the former railway line part of the path at Maesycwmmer, then leading over Hengoed viaduct and on into Ystrad Mynach.

Photo 1 - The River Sirhowy, at Pontllanfraith
Photo 2 - The 47 cycle route next to the A472
Photo 3 - The former railway line part of the path at Maesycwmmer
Photo 4 - Wheel O` Drams landmark, Hengoed Viaduct
Photos 5 & 6 - Hengoed Viaduct.


Tom Morris

09 Jul 2023 Summer

Definitely the most car-free option for walking between YM and BW.
Starting at Blackwood; walk downhill from near Wilkos/cinema to Bistro8 pub, then access through car park.
Some narrow gates at start !! but nice walk there, maybe a bit muddy or uneven underfoot but relatively flat, no steps. One minor blip in the GPX as it tries to send you straight through some houses, easily fixed and easy to get round.
Then once out of Pontllanfraith follows NCN. Same way one would cycle from there to YM. Hill is a little inclined and about 10 mins of walking by dual carriageway but feels ok.
Follows NCN further into YM, along Maesy Viaduct. A little muddy but mostly flat and well surfaced. Some good views, if youve not seen it before.
Down steep hill into YM.


Grifftinfoilhat

23 Jun 2021 Summer

Lovely walk crossing Hengoed viaduct and then following river walk from Pontallanfraith into Blackwood.

Nice and easy, mostly paved for the whole way.


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